Editor's note: Third in a series of editorial board interviews with the five candidates running for the Board of Selectmen. The articles will run through Friday.

By Danielle Ameden

Daily News Staff

FRAMINGHAM - With six years as a selectman under her belt, Laurie Lee says she wants to continue the work she’s done to open walking trails, keep property taxes in line and revitalize downtown.

Lee, the only incumbent in this year’s selectman’s race, said she’s proud of what she’s helped accomplish as a member of the board.

"I’m running on what I’ve done and what the board’s done," she told Daily News editors this week.

Lee, who is seeking a third, three-year term, is one of five candidates vying for two available seats in the April 1 town election. She says her record sets her apart.

In particular, Lee pointed to major health insurance savings - to the tune of $18 million over three years - that the town is set to realize because of the board’s decision to switch employees and retirees to state Group Insurance Commission plans.

"We needed to for the taxpayers," Lee said of the change.

Lee said she’s pleased the town has held back on spending since fiscal ’12, when higher assessments and lower commercial values caused property tax bills to spike.

She said her goal is for the town, as the administration proposes, to limit property tax levy increases in each of the next three years to 1.25 percent, well below the 2.5 percent cap.

Lee said she is proud to have played a role in convincing the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority to change its policy and allow public access on its aqueducts. The town has celebrated the grand opening of a pilot stretch of trail on the Weston Aqueduct between Elm Street and Bradford Road, and other sections are opening.

Progress toward a downtown revitalization is another source of pride, she said, with the state’s streetscape and traffic improvement project beginning soon. Lee said she hopes to see transit-oriented development around the commuter rail station in the future, especially with MassBay Community College planning a move downtown.

And with the Mt. Wayte Plaza owner planning a redevelopment, Lee said she wants a similar project for the long neglected Nobscot Shopper Center in her neighborhood.

The other candidates in the race are Doug Freeman, Deborah Butler, Ryan Gagne and Cheryl Tully Stoll.

Danielle Ameden can be reached at 508-626-4416 or dameden@wickedlocal.com. Follow her on Twitter @damedenMW.